Casa Rio

This eco-cottage, overlooking Bahia Conchal and featured on HGTV’s House Hunters International is loaded with laid-back luxury.  The owner wanted a cool retreat combining sustainable features, extensive outdoor space and designer touches.  She also wanted a construction system that could simplify future expansion, which made lightweight steel a natural choice.

This 1300sf home presented some challenges for FRAME.  The sloping lot was nearly solid rock, intensifying foundation work and the wide range of finish materials put the skills of the construction crew to the test, in particular the hand-cut stone walls and the volcanic rock waterfall feature that simulates a mountain stream. 

The home features UV-efficient PVC windows, an Eloy Wastewater Treatment system with drip irrigation, solar hot water and LED lighting.  To watch the House Hunters International episode featuring Casa Rio, click here. 

From the Owner: 

"When I told people I was building a house in Costa Rica, many said I had lost my mind.  Imagine every builder horror story you can - that's what I braced myself for.  Fortunately, a neighbor referred me to FRAME, and it turned out building my home was so much fun I wish I could build another!  It was great watching the guys show up each day, right on time, getting down to business.  FRAME's project team were careful to double-check with me at critical decision points, avoiding potential re-work.  I designed my own cabinetry and was thrilled when FRAME's wood shop turned my drawings into beautifully constructed furniture.  When I asked for unusual design features, like barn doors, they found suppliers and took charge of installation.  FRAME involved me in purchasing decisions, negotiated on my behalf, accompanied me on buying trips to San Jose and gladly worked with vendors I had sourced on my own.  Building with FRAME was a great decision!"  - Sarah Starkey